Scientists Say Minoans Were European

The Minoans were the builders of the first advanced civilization in Europe (about 4,700 years ago on the island of Crete). Because of the artwork associated with the culture there had been speculation that they were of Egyptian or Libyan origin. However, recent DNA analyses by scientists from the University of Washington have demonstrated that they were in fact European most closely related to modern day Cretans. Per the article:

The researchers found that the Minoan skeletons were genetically very similar to modern-day Europeans -- and especially close to modern-day Cretans, particularly those from the Lassithi Plateau. They were also genetically similar to Neolithic Europeans, but distinct from Egyptian or Libyan populations.

The findings have been published in the May 14, 2013 edition of the journal, Nature Communications.